What would you do if you had HepC? No sarcasm please.?

Answer 1

I do have Hep.C and have been living with it for about 26 years now. I have gone through interferon treatment 2 seperate times and my status as of today is End Stage liver disease;Cerosis(i am sorry for more horrid spelling) of the Liver:Chronic Hep.C; Acitees; the list goes on. I am on the Liver Transplant list through UCLA Med. Center,which is ironic since I contracted the virus from a blood transfusion in the late 70's. I suffered from Kidney disease and had several procedures and surgeries. I have been close to death and still here to share my experiences with you. I am unsure of how long my body and soul will continue this battle or if I will ever recieve a liver transplant but I no longer stay angry or depressed and will not give up. I have a 14 year old son who I can not go on without. And at age 37 in a body of a 80 year old, I stay strong for him. Yes I have dozens of negative side effects, aches and pains and some scarey days where I thought I had given up. But I will not scare you with all of the ugliness. Unless of course you ask me to share with you some of those times.
I have to say one of the most frustrating things which never seems to go away is the pre-judgements that are made against me. Along with that is uneducated individuals who look there nose down at me. Assuming I was a drug user or dirty whore who now suffers from my low life ways. I have had negative treatment from professionals who even work within the network of liver transplants. I have been so angry and disgusted for the predijusts behavior from others. I do not know why this angers me so,in my heart I do not judge another or question how and what they did to be Hep.C positive. All of us are the same,with the same disaease for which has no cure. It should not matter how you have gotten here because the outcome is exactly the same. I actually could go on and on and on about my issues treatments,feelings,thoughts etc. about my illness. But I will stop for now. I do not have a network of support to just shoot the **** with about all of this. Don't get me wronge, I have many loved ones in my life who try to understand or are here to listen but they have no idea the toll that it takes on one person.Please take care and if I can ever help you through this terrible trip you find yourself on,please do not hesitate to call apon me. If you just need to chit chat that's cool too.

Answer 2

i actually have Hep C it sucks i don't have any problems from it right now but when i get older its really gonna f*ck me up. But they do have a medicine called interferon. Before you start taking it the doctors will do a lot of blood exams and a liver biopsy to see how progressed your Hep is. and how many strains of it you have. Then they will let you know how likely the medicine will work for you. you are on this medicine for about a year. You inject it like insulin. This stuff is really hard on you though. It makes most people really really sick. I mean so sick you cant work and all that stuff. But in the end it could diminish all signs of the hepatitis. If you have it I hope this information helps. By the way Hep C is transfered through blood to blood contact you cant get it by sharing drinks. Even having sex is not likey to transfer i think thats 2% chance.

Answer 3

Hepatitis C is an infectious virus that is carried in the blood and affects millions. The number of people with hepatitis C is increasing rapidly around the world, primarily among those sharing needles and other drug equipment.

Background

Although the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has existed for a long time, it was only identified in 1989. HCV causes inflammation of the liver, which can progress to cirrhosis (extensive scarring that can inhibit the normal function of the liver).

Of the more 5,000 newly infected people each year, up to 70 percent experience no symptoms. For some, symptoms may not show up for 20 or 30 years. In the meantime, these people may unknowingly infect others. That is why it is important to know if you are at risk and how to take preventative action.
Health Risks of Hepatitis C

Like HIV and other viruses, HCV is spread through contact with infected blood. The most common ways of being infected with the HCV virus are by:

* Sharing needles, straws, pipes, spoons and other drug-related equipment. About two-thirds of new HCV infections each year are related to drug use. Cleaning equipment with bleach does not always effectively kill the virus
* Getting a tattoo, body piercing or acupuncture from an operator who does not use sterilized equipment or techniques
* Being born to a mother with hepatitis C
* Getting pierced by a needle or sharp equipment that has infected blood on it, as in a workplace situation
* People who had blood transfusions before the testing of blood donations became universal in 1992, may also be at risk. While the risk is low, it is also possible to become infected by sharing personal household articles such as a razor or toothbrush with an infected person. The risk of transmission of HCV during sex is also low. However, having multiple sexual partners may increase the risk.

The Health Effects of Hepatitis C

HCV affects the liver, an essential organ that acts as a filter for chemicals and toxins that enter the body. The liver also helps digest food, stores vitamins and minerals, and aids in manufacturing blood.

The illness begins with flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, body aches and pains, and perhaps nausea or vomiting. Urine might become dark brown and in severe infections, the skin and eyes may turn yellow (become jaundiced). Approximately 15 to 20 percent of people infected recover from the infection. However, the majority progress to chronic infection. The course of the disease in the chronic phase is slow and may last a lifetime. Up to 20 percent of those infected develop cirrhosis, which severely damages the liver. A smaller percentage develop liver cancer.

Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for HCV. Treatment usually involves a combination of the drugs interferon and ribavirin. If you think you may be a risk for hepatitis C, see your doctor. The disease can be detected by a simple blood test, and there are steps and medications you can take to minimize the effects of the disease.
Minimizing Your Risk

* HCV infection can be prevented by following these steps:
* Never share needles or any other drug equipment
* Wear latex gloves if you are likely to be in contact with someone else's blood
* If you have sex with more than one partner, always use a condom
* If you are getting a tattoo, body piercing or acupuncture, choose a reputable licensed person and ensure all equipment is sterile. Do not allow anyone to use homemade or reused equipment, including needles, ink or jewellery

Answer 4

80% of persons have no signs or symptoms.

People experience hep C in different ways. They may not have any symptoms at all. In fact, symptoms of chronic hep C may not appear until advanced liver disease is already present. It is also possible to have symptoms but minimal liver damage. This is why tests of your liver’s health such as enzyme levels in your blood, other blood tests, a liver ultrasound, or a liver biopsy are important.

Remember: how you are feeling does not always match up with the severity of your condition. If you wait to experience symptoms before you start treatment, your liver may already be severely damaged.
Symptoms that may be related to chronic hep C include (but are not limited to):

Fatigue
Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, muscle aches, joint pain, and headaches
Nausea, aversion to certain foods, unexplained weight loss
Psychological disorders, including depression
Tenderness in the abdomen
Jaundice

If you got blood in your blood from someone else you should get tested.

Answer 5

i came late but i am here and i to have hepc. unless you are sick from it do not worry. also you have some excellent answers on this question. congratulations to everybody. you can also take your own precautions by watching your diet and stay away from alcohol. I don't know why i said that cause i still have to quit. ha ha ha. piss on it i'll have a toke and forget about it. see ya.

Answer 6

Well, I would get any treatment available to ease the symptoms, and go about my life as normally as I could. I have 2 friends with Hep c, they got it 5 years apart while workin in ambulance, from accidents with needles with infected blood on them. It can be difficult at times for them, but they are getting on fine.

Answer 7

There are a lot of facts being thrown out, but I believe that the facts alone don't help someone to learn. There is the whole issue of support and communication with others who have the virus. For questions, answers, to vent feelings, and to not feel so alone, I suggest visiting the message boards at www.hepatitisneighborhood.com. There are a whole community of friends that welcome others infected or if you know someone who is infected. Get support.

Answer 8

My husband has Hep c and now his liver is damage.
If I was you I would find a special doctor that treat hep c they will be able to manage your hep c and help you not to let this get worst.
Please go to this web site and it will help you find some answer to your hep c.
www.webmd.com
I feel for yu and hope that all will work out for you.

Answer 9

Go to herbalhealer.com and read the testimonials first of people like you who beat hep using natural anti-virals like olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract,& colloidal silver.
Then go online and research some more, these are very potent products. Good luck!

Answer 10

See a good hepatic specialist now so you can learn to take good care of yourself before your problem advances.